COMBINED EXERCISE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 25, 29 July 1939, Page 11

COMBINED EXERCISE

TEST OF SHORE DEFENCES

A test of systems of communication and of a general plan of defence of the "Wellington coast will be made Mext weekend in a combined drill by the Navy, represented by H.M.S. Leith, the Air Force, with four Baffins of the Wellington territorial Squadron, and coastal defence. The exercise will De divided into three sections, of a mock attack on Saturday afternoon,'a night approach, and a third approach on Sunday morning. ' On Saturday afternoon the Leuh will return from a short cruise in the Marlborough Sounds .and when she is picked up by the planes in Cook Strait they will report by wireless -to the shore defenders. Three of the machines will return to their base and; the fourth will follow the ship, keeping the shore informed of her position. This plane will endeavour to escape the notice 'of the ship. On nearing Wellington Heads the Leith will carry but a mnck bombardment. While this is in progress the planes and shore batteries will endeavour to repel the attack. The batteries at Fort Dorset will probably open fire with blank ammunition. The Chief of the General Staff, Major-General J. E. Duigan, said that the object was to test coastal defences and communications. The exercises would provide a valuable opportunity for co-operation by the three services, which had to work together for the defence of New Zealand.